[C320-list] Keel bolt torque from Catalina Support.

[Joe Luciano]

I have worked in oil refineries for 35 years where the torquing of bolts is a routine practice.  The key problem associated with torquing any bolts is friction.  The bolts and nuts have to be clean and well lubricated to get any kind of accuracy or repeatability in the torque value.  This requires nut removal cleaning of the threads, application of a thread lubricant and reassembly before torquing.  Stainless steel bolts tend to be soft and can gall quite easily when applying torque.  This is all very difficult to control in a bilge with keel bolts.  My experience with an older boat is that the nuts won’t even move.....

Joe
Second Wind - 2005 C-320

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 2, 2018, at 10:41 AM, Allan S Field <allan.field at verizon.net> wrote:
> 
> Scott - What Warren is telling you is contrary to what Gerry Douglas told us years ago when the C320 Association did the CA factory tour as part of an annual Rendezvous.  His advice at the time was to check the torque one year after commissioning the boat, the boat would need to be on the hard to do so with over 75% of the weight of the boat supported by the keel, then torque to 235 foot pounds.  [NOTE: Gerry originally said 125 but then corrected himself later.]  After that, the bolts should never need torqueing again.  If you are a member of the Association, the Association's Toolbox Loaner Program has the torque wrench, socket and socket extensions that will allow you to access the bolts.
> 
> I am copying both Warren and Gerry on this thread as the inconsistencies in their advice really needs to be clarified particularly since when I managed the Toolbox Loaner Program, it was Gerry's advice that I was giving to those who borrowed the torque wrench tools.  Warren and Gerry, please weigh-in on this!
> 
> Allan S. Field
> Sea Shadow - C387, #103
> Columbia, MD
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Scott Westwood
> Sent: Tuesday, October 2, 2018 9:11 AM
> To: Catalina List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
> Subject: [C320-list] Keel bolt torque from Catalina Support.
> 
> Talked with Warren at Catalina support.
> If you have 1 in bolts the torque is 100 ft/lbs  within about 5-10 ft/lbs  (95 to 105 ish) If you have earlier models '94/'95 or earlier they may have 3/4 in bolts.  If so then the torque would be 60-65 ft/lbs.
> He also recommended G-Flex to fill minor "smile" crack.  If minor cosmetic you can do normal filler but G-Flex will flex a bit (it's in the name).  Said there is a Boat-US article someplace that explains it a bit. Thanks, Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net H (919)-362-8538    C (919)-618-7185
>